The Flatland Chronicles

Soundtracks of My Life: "Che Fiero Costume"

I always loved this impassioned complaint--by Giovanni Legrenzi---back when I was studying music.  It's a rebuke to Cupid for the pain and unhappiness he causes---though he's just a baby still on his mother's milk.   It's an exciting song. 

It reminds me of a young tenor on whom I had a crush at opera camp.  He was so, so gay----but he didn't know it, and neither did I.    He had a magnificent voice even though he was only 18 (about 10 years from the voice's prime).   

Looking through the various renditions on You Tube, this is the one I liked best.This guy is really good. 

My music teacher thought it was a "man's song," so wouldn't let me perform it.  So I have a version by a soprano just to show....too late, alas!

Soundtracks of My Life: "Intorno All'Idol Mio"

This song by baroque composer Antonio Cesti (from Orontea)  is performed here by the extremely lovely Cecilia Bartoli.  I used to perform it back when I was studying music (though it goes without saying---not like this.   I was really pleased to find it.  I always imagined I'd never hear any of these songs again.